Hi neighbors,

Today marks the kickoff for our office’s Participatory Budgeting! Each year, we work with the 47th Ward Youth Council to create a shortlist of infrastructure improvements for neighbors to select from. This year’s ballot includes a flashing pedestrian signal on Western Ave, playground improvements at Welles Park, music-themed crosswalk near the Old Town School of Folk Music, and fitness equipment at Clark Park. Make sure you register to vote and cast your ballot by March 2nd.

On Wednesday, the City Council’s Finance Committee convened to review and approve over $29 million in police misconduct settlements tied to former CPD Detective Reynoldo Guevara. The four plaintiffs contend that Detective Guevara framed them for separate murders and that, as a result, they collectively served 71 years in prison. 

The Finance Committee also held a hearing on the mortgage lending practices of the 11 largest banks that our City government uses to deposit billions of dollars in City funds. I was encouraged to learn that over the past two years, these banks collectively increased their lending in majority Black and Latino communities by 25% over the last two years. We also discussed the need for banks to collect and disclose similar lending practices for locally owned small businesses across Chicago. At bottom, banks that receive millions in City funds must ensure that their lending practices benefit all Chicagoans—no matter your race or level of wealth.

Earlier this week, I met with the new head of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability—the City department that investigates allegations of serious police misconduct. We discussed the department’s ongoing work to comply with the federal consent decree, and opportunities to expand the department’s caseload to include CPD officers’ alleged ties to extremist organizations including the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. I also met with the Board President for the Chicago Park District, and emphasized the need to invest more in the fieldhouses at Chase and Welles Parks.

I hope you all have a lovely Valentine’s Day weekend. If you’re looking for something to do, our local chambers of commerce have compiled Valentine’s themed guides focusing on our Ravenswood and Lincoln Square communities. And save some room for a locally baked paczki in celebration of Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras this coming Tuesday!

Yours in service,

Ald Matt Martin

Office Closed. City of Chicago offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th in observance of President's Day. Please call 3-1-1 or email info@aldermanmartin.com with any requests.

Watch Women's College Basketball with Alderman Martin

Wednesday, March 18th

Join Alderman Martin for the first night of Women's March Madness at AJ Hudson's (3801 N Ashland).

We'll have the games on the TV. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the Alderman, root for women's sports, and enjoy a terrific local business.

RSVP

Temporary Closure: Western Brown Line Northbound Platform

Beginning February 18th

The CTA is closing the north platform (Kimball-bound) of the Western Brown Line station from the night of February 18th to March 1st to repair the stairs. CTA calls this a "ride back" as the CTA recommends that riders take the Kimball-bound Brown Line one extra stop to Rockwell, where they can ride a Loop-bound train back one stop to then exit at Western.

Sign up for email updates

Lunar New Year Parade

Saturday, February 21st



Join Uptown United on Argyle Street as we continue the annual tradition of celebrating the Lunar New Year in Uptown!

To welcome the Year of the Horse, the Lunar New Year Parade will kick-off at 1 PM from Argyle & Sheridan. It features 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers! 

Learn more

President's Day Bowling: Timber Lanes

Monday, February 16th

Timber Lanes is opening early on President's Day at 11 AM and offering kids and families a fun day-off activity. Lanes will be discounted for just $20 per hour.

Book a lane

Karaoke at DANK Haus

Friday, February 20th

Join DANK Haus for a lively Karaoke Abend Stammtisch—where your favorite German Schlager meets classic English hits! Whether you're channeling your inner Helene Fischer or belting out Bon Jovi, this is your moment to shine.

Whether you're a karaoke pro or just want to cheer on your friends, everyone’s welcome. Let’s make some noise—auf Deutsch or in English! Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Learn more

Apply Soon: Home Energy Upgrades

You may be eligible for free home energy upgrades and energy efficiency retrofits, including new insulation and heat pump heating and cooling systems.

In order to be eligible, you must meet income restrictions, live in a 1-2 family property, and the property must be the owner's primary residence. Applications open on February 17th.

Learn more

Resource: Older Adults Raising Grandchildren

The Salvation Army operates the Grandparents and Older Adults Raising Children program for grandparents ages 55 years or older who are raising their grandchildren. They offer support group meetings and financial assistance.

Learn more

Free Induction Cooking Class

Monday, March 30th

Take a gourmet cooking class with a chef demo of all-electric induction cooking at The Chopping Block. Win one of three raffle prizes, including a full induction cooking setup, with a cooktop and plan.

RSVP

Celebrating Mardi Gras in Lincoln Square

It's almost Fat Tuesday! Jerry's Sandwiches will be running a Mardi Gras menu all month, including muffulettas, grits and more. You can also order your king cake from Lutz Bakery, or swing by Spoken Cafe for a cup of gumbo.

Learn more

Free Fitness Class: Ballet Barre

Sunday, February 15th

Join Free MVMT for a free ballet barre class. This full body workout has an emphasis on balance and form.

Register

Resources for Businesses

• CTA Winter Small Business Connection, February 25th, Learn more
• Park District Concession Management RFP, Due March 3rd, Learn more
• Women's Small Business Symposium, March 5th, Learn more
• Apply to be a Ribfest Vendor, Learn more
• Northcenter SSA #38 Rebate Programs, Learn more

Register: TreeKeepers Course

Applications Due February 27th

Registration is open for the TreeKeepers Spring Course hosted in Auburn Gresham! The course will be held at the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation beginning Saturday, March 7th.

The course will fill up fast so register today! A limited number of scholarships are available - applications due by February 27th.

Learn more

Apply to be an EcoFest Vendor

Saturday, May 30th

We're accepting applications for EcoFest 2026 vendors, which will take place on Saturday, May 30th from 10am-2pm at Welles Park. 

As you may know, EcoFest is an annual celebration of our community's commitment to sustainability, where we showcase nonprofits, small businesses, and other vendors doing environmental work citywide.

Apply

Neighborhood Action: Stop Peoples Gas Rate Hike

Tuesday, February 24th

Gas bills are rising across Chicago — but why, and what can we do about it? In January of 2026, Peoples Gas proposed raising rates once again. This increase, if granted, would raise monthly gas bills by an average of $10.60 per month.

Join your neighbors on February 24th at 6:30 PM at Dank Haus for an informative and action-focused evening hosted in collaboration with the Greater Rockwell Organization, Heart of Lincoln Square, Ravenswood Neighbors Association, and other local neighborhood groups.

RSVP

This Week

• Lane Tech Drama, February 11th-14th, Learn more
• Roscoe Village Wine Walk, February 13th, Learn more
• Valentine's Day Concert at Concordia Church, February 13th, Learn more
• Community Car Care Workshop, February 14th, Learn more
• World Refugee Day Documentary Screening, February 15th, Learn more
• Free Ballet Class, February 15th, Learn more

Next Week

• Partner Dance Class, February 18th, Learn more
• Taylor Swift Trivia Night, February 19th, Learn more

Upcoming Weeks

• St Andrew Fish Fry, February 20th, Learn more
• Karaoke at DANK Haus, February 20th, Learn more
• Lunar New Year, February 21st, Learn more
• Extra Life Gaming Convention, February 22nd, Learn more
• Black History Month at Music Box Theatre, February 23rd, Learn more
• Meet the Beatles in Hamburg, February 26th, Learn more
• Revere Park Bingo Night, February 26th, at Burning Bush at 6 PM
• Ravenswood Work Center Open House, February 26th, Learn more
• Northside Restaurant Week, February 26th, Learn more
• Gospel Brunch for Common Pantry, February 28th, Learn more
• Andersonville Health and Wellness Open House, February 28th, Learn more
• International Women's Night, March 2nd, Learn more
• Kiwani's Club St Patrick's Day Fundraiser, March 3rd, Learn more

Community Job Boards

Looking to work locally? Many of our local chambers of commerce offer job boards to help highlight openings at local businesses. Find more information at the following links:

• Andersonville
• Lakeview/Roscoe Village
• Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
• Northcenter
• Greater Ravenswood